title: Knowledge and attitudes of Korean dentists towards human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a major global threat, and although the prevalence is comparatively still very low, the number of HIV-positive Koreans is increasing. However, there are no official guidelines as to how to treat people living with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) or how to screen for potentially infectious people. This study assessed the level of knowledge and attitudes of dentists in Korea toward PLWHA, and their attitudes to screening patients for HIV infections.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional prospective survey targeting dentists working in Korea was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A satisfactory level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS and a relatively positive attitude toward PLWHA was found. Most of the respondents preferred rapid HIV testing using oral fluid as a specimen. The general attitude of dentists toward HIV/AIDS is sufficiently positive to enable provision of the best treatment to the patients in need.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most of the dentists require HIV testing in dental clinics. In spite of their needs, there are several obstacles. It is hoped that financial considerations and official legal requirements related to HIV testing strategies will be considered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, Research Institute for Periodontal Regeneration, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Jung-Chul
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Seong-Ho
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Yong-Tae
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Sun-Jong
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Hee-Jung
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Jong-Ho
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Seung-Chul
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Young Joo
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Cha